What Should The University Of Iowa Do?

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 11:40 am

Jackson Pollock is probably my favorite artist and the mural residing at UI is absolutely amazing. There's been a bill introduced to the Iowa State Legislature by a republican lawmaker requiring the University to sell the piece for the purpose of increasing scholarships (a noble purpose). The story is below. Where do you come down in this current climate of tightening budgets and "cut - cut - cut"?

Bill Proposed to Force Sale of University of Iowa's Pollock Painting

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 2:24 pm

Do you really like his works, Ahso? (I don't, but than I don't care for modern art too much)

As far as the bill to sell his work-I think UI alone has the right to do that, and the state doesn't. Even if the state is subsidizing UI, they can't force them to sell it. (I couldn't tell if it was gift to UI-if it is, the state can't take it away) It makes the Iowa state government look pretty bad, to suggest they sell it for scholarships. Are they willing even to set up matching funds? (a tangent to the question)

UI seems to like their painting-the state can always sell some of their artwork they have in the rotunda to raise funds.

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 3:28 pm

chonsigirl;1353565 wrote: Do you really like his works, Ahso? (I don't, but than I don't care for modern art too much)I do. I could never really understand what others appreciated about certain art style until I saw Pollock's work. Perhaps it's its chaotic continuity. I also like Van Gogh very, very much. There's a certain madness about the two of them, indeed they were both odd men.

chonsigirl;1353565 wrote: As far as the bill to sell his work-I think UI alone has the right to do that, and the state doesn't. Even if the state is subsidizing UI, they can't force them to sell it. (I couldn't tell if it was gift to UI-if it is, the state can't take it away) It makes the Iowa state government look pretty bad, to suggest they sell it for scholarships. Are they willing even to set up matching funds? (a tangent to the question)

UI seems to like their painting-the state can always sell some of their artwork they have in the rotunda to raise funds.That's a good point. I wonder if Rep. Raecker is doing this to appeal to a certain segment of his constituency knowing the bill will fail. The idea does pose a fairly good question though.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:41 pm

I do like Van Gogh, especially Starry Night.

It is an interesting question, but where does the need for more money overcome the need for UI wants for itself?

It's like having a yard sale after Christmas, and taking your favorite present to sell, whether you want to or not. After all, there is an electric bill to pay.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 6:53 pm

I confess that I never really 'got' Pollock.

I don't know that I see the connection between his work and Van Gogh, really, but that is for another thread.

I believe that the the University must refuse any attempt by the state to force a sale, for any reason.

But then, how many bachelor's degrees could 140 million buy?

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 6:59 pm

LarsMac;1353591 wrote: I confess that I never really 'got' Pollock.

I don't know that I see the connection between his work and Van Gogh, really, but that is for another thread.

I believe that the the University must refuse any attempt by the state to force a sale, for any reason.

But then, how many bachelor's degrees could 140 million buy?The article points out Rep Raecker believes it to be from 750 to 1000 scholarships per year.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 10:40 pm

So from what I can see, the painting could potentially pay for around 6000 four-year degrees.

That is assuming resident tuition rates

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:43 am

LarsMac;1353610 wrote: So from what I can see, the painting could potentially pay for around 6000 four-year degrees.

That is assuming resident tuition ratesThat's also assuming the money would not be invested into some self sustaining vehicle. If that is done properly, the benefits increase.

I personally believe art is vital to the culture, but who's to say the purchaser would not do something beneficial for society with it. I wonder how much the University shelled out for the mural when it was purchased.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 5:21 am

Maybe they could find a philanthropist willing to purchase the painting and let it stay on display there. I believe that's happened before.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 5:57 am

Way WAY off topic, but there was a very good Doctor Who episode with Vincent Van Gogh and they had a stroke of brilliance with their casting. Look at the resemblance:

Ahso! · Post by **Ahso!** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 6:29 am

Is he missing an earlobe?

TroyLangan · Post by **TroyLangan** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 1:00 pm

theres going to be a revolution 2.0 if our government doesnt change!

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:01 pm

You must be hanging around Abby Road to much.